How Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Game Pass Will Impact Xbox and PlayStation

Microsoft has confirmed that the upcoming Call of Duty premium title will be included in its Game Pass subscription service at launch, promising to fuel interest in Game Pass while potentially disrupting Sony's full-game sales. Although the exact commercial impact is difficult to predict, Microsoft's established strategy and agreements with Activision during its acquisition suggest the effects will be significant but not as far-reaching as they could have been. By adding Call of Duty to Game Pass, Microsoft is likely to attract new and returning subscribers, mainly to the Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers. This move, although initially expensive, will have several mitigating factors, including driving upsells to Game Pass Ultimate, offering early access to premium edition buyers, and monetizing the game's live-service features. As part of the Activision Blizzard acquisition, Microsoft agreed to allow third-party cloud gaming services access to future Call of Duty titles, potentially broadening the game's reach. Sony, however, is likely to face commercial disruption, particularly given Call of Duty's significant contribution to its storefront revenue. Nevertheless, the game's live-service and free-to-play aspects, such as Warzone, will lessen the impact. PlayStation gamers may be swayed to play on Xbox, but cross-platform play and multi-platform accounts allow for flexibility. The move may also influence console buyers who have not yet upgraded, potentially favoring the Xbox Series offer. Ultimately, adding Call of Duty to Game Pass will be a strategic move for Microsoft, boosting its subscription numbers and revenue streams.